CLARKSVILLE, TN – Here is what’s happening at the Customs House Museum and Cultural Center in the month of July.
Museum Exhibitions:
Annual Staff Art Exhibit , July 1 – September 18 | Lobby
The annual staff art exhibit showcases the creative work of those who work behind-the-scenes at the Museum. Each piece reveals the unique personalities of the artists, special moments in their lives and their inspirations.
The Nature of Olen Bryant, July 5 – September 5 | Crouch Gallery
In collaboration with LeQuire Gallery & Studio in Nashville, this retrospective exhibit features a wide array of works by Tennessee treasure Olen Byrant. A revered professor of art at Austin Peay, Bryant’s sculptures have graced the inside of the Governor’s Mansion, prominent Tennessee museums and art collections across the country.
Call & Response: Collaborations by Greg Sand and Billy Renkl, through July 28 | Harvill Gallery
Sand and Renkl work primarily with found imagery, but the way they use it is quite different. For these found-photograph collages, the artists combine two distinct approaches and individual aesthetics to produce a set of works that neither of them would have created on their own.
Bold Expressions: The Art of Stephanie J. Brown, through July 31 | Jostens Gallery
Stephanie J. Brown is an empowered artist, activist and author who shines a light on self-awareness, survival and pride through her work. “I love to represent the African diaspora by painting faces and accentuating our bold features. I include bold colors, which spiritually represent chakras.”
Vietnam: 2 Soldiers, 2 Artists, 2 Journeys Then & Now, through August 14 | Kimbrough Gallery
From helicopters and hand grenades to watercolors and canvas, this is the story of two brave soldiers who battled their way into the world of art. This memorable, one-of-a-kind exhibit highlights David Wright and Chuck Creasy’s best work from Vietnam. It all comes together in this exhilarating and meaningful show, one that bridges two lives, two worlds, two journeys.
Train Stop: Clarksville & The Locomotive, through August 28 | Bruner & Orgain Galleries
Clarksville’s history is closely tied to the railroad, and this exhibit showcases a variety of artifacts, photographs and stories to illustrate its impact on local industry and the community.
Explorers Landing: Exploring Our Town, open now on the Lower Level
New Memories, New Adventures, New Explorers Landing! Explore our town with timeless favorites like the Bubble Cave and McGregor’s Market and new discoveries like the Landing and Car Ramp. It’s an adventure for all ages.
Museum Events:
First Thursday Art Walk, July 14, 5 p.m. – 8 p.m.
The Museum will offer free admission during First Thursday Art Walk Clarksville from 5 p.m. – 8 p.m. Come see exhibiting artist Stephanie J. Brown as she presents a painting demo during Art Walk.
38th Annual Flying High, July 16, 5 p.m. – 10 p.m.
Join the Customs House Museum & Cultural Center at Oak Grove Racing, Gaming & Hotel for a 007-inspired event with a license to thrill. Bid on exceptional works of art, experiences and more! Enjoy a glamorous night of dinner, dancing and cocktails – shaken or stirred – at Clarksville’s premier fundraising gala. Tickets are on sale on the Museum’s website.
Red Cross Blood Drive, July 20, 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Save lives by giving blood! The Museum and local Red Cross chapter are hosting a blood drive that is open to the public. Call 1-800-RED-CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or visit RedCrossBlood.org and enter “CustomsHouse” to schedule an appointment.
Fifth Saturday Donation Day with Youth Villages, July 30, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Fifth Saturday is Donation Day! Any monetary donation to the Museum is your admission. This month we’re also hosting a back-to-school backpack drive for Youth Villages. Support a child in our community who will be starting school with new supplies that can make a profound impact! Donate to Youth Villages, the Museum or both for entry into the Museum today!
Here’s the list of items Youth Villages needs:
Basic/scientific calculators
Three-ring binders (1″)
Composition books
Two-pocket folders
pencils/erasers
pencil pouches
red/blue/black pens
Wide-ruled/college-ruled paper
NEW backpacks for any (K-college)- male, female, gender-neutral
Graph paper
Colored pencils
Markers
Rulers/protractors*
Highlighters
Construction paper (small packs)
Glue sticks (no liquid glue)
Museum Programs:
Touching History, every Thursday, drop by between 1 p.m. – 3 pm | Memory Lane, All Ages | Free with membership or paid admission
Experience hands-on history as you grind coffee beans, discover how handmade fabric was crafted and spin a zoetrope in Touching History, a drop-by program for all ages. Step back in time as you interact with historic artifacts that give you a glimpse of life in a 19th-century log cabin before electricity.
*Touching History will not occur on July 7.
Family Art Saturday: Make a Train Pop-up Card, June 30, drop by between 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. & 2 p.m. – 4 p.m. | Ages 3+, with adult, Free with membership or paid admission | Family Art Studio
For this month’s Family Art Saturday, stop by the Family Art Studio to make your own train pop-up greeting card. The first train engine arrived in Clarksville by steamboat in 1859 – you can visit the exhibit, Train Stop: Clarksville & the Locomotive to discover more fun facts about Clarksville’s railroad story.
*All parents are expected to participate with and supervise their children.
F&M Bank Huff & Puff Express Model Trains, exhibit open daily | Trains run Sundays, 1 p.m. – 4 p.m. and Wednesdays, 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Enjoy one of the largest model railroad layouts in the region boasting a miniature castle, UFO and scenic landscape. Interact with the miniature world by making automobiles move and helicopters fly. The model train exhibit is open daily and themes change every season.
Blue Star Museums, May 21 – Sept. 5
Blue Star Museums offers free Museum admission to the nation’s active-duty military personnel and their families, including the National Guard and Reserve, from Armed Forces Day through Labor Day. Admission is good for the military ID holder and up to five family members.
Seasons: The Museum Store:
Choo Choo Train Sale, offer expires July 31, 2022
Calling all train lovers! This month, trains have taken over the Museum! Shop for brand new train merchandise at Seasons: The Museum Store, see the new Train Stop exhibit and visit the model trains during your visit. Train merchandise is 10% off; Museum members receive 20% off.
Museum Closures, July 16 & 17
The Museum will be closed the weekend of July 16 & 17 in preparation for Flying High. We are sorry for the inconvenience.